While on a flight, you are called to attend to a patient who has ingested a substance in an apparent suicide attempt. The patient is exhibiting dilated pupils, dry skin, and an absence of bowel sounds. Which of the following substances is the patient most likely to have ingested?

Question

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Anticholinergics. Answer: Anticholinergics

Anticholinergic toxicity is typically due to intentional ingestion and presents with symptoms like dilated pupils (mydriasis), dry skin, dry mucous membranes, urinary retention, and decreased bowel sounds. Other neurological effects include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. Unlike opioids, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers, which have different symptomatic presentations, anticholinergics specifically inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system leading to these characteristic symptoms.

While on a flight, you are called to attend to a patient who has ingested a substance in an apparent suicide attempt. The patient is exhibiting dilated pupils, dry skin, and an absence of bowel sounds. Which of the following substances is the patient most likely to have ingested?

Related questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.